Gatwick taxi drivers are set to protest over Uber swerving licensing laws which they argue is 'crippling trade'.

The action will take place tomorrow (October 9) at Gatwick South Terminal roundabout from 8am. 

Drivers feel Uber has an unfair advantage over the private hire taxis in Crawley because of them being able to avoid local licensing laws.

Regulations mean Ubers registered in London can come into the town and provide their service.

The local area has seen an increase in London-based Uber cabs which Unite, a union representing local drivers, feel is poaching private taxis.

Private taxis cannot pick up customers outside of the area they are licensed for, unless it's a pre-booked job. 

Gatwick Airport partnered with Uber earlier this year which allows travellers to easily book a taxi.

However, some local drivers feel this puts them at an unfair disadvantage. 

The union calls for action from Gatwick Airport and Uber, as well as the government to help strengthen council taxi licensing laws.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called for Gatwick to address the concerns. 

He said: 'Gatwick is disgracing itself by partnering with a race-to-the-bottom firm like Uber, which is destroying local livelihoods and damaging Crawley's economy. 

'Unite will not rest until Gatwick takes action to address our members' concerns.

'Nor can the government continue to sit on the sidelines – Uber's sidestepping of local licensing laws is hurting workers and putting passengers at risk across the country. Ministers need to close the loopholes in the legislation.'

A London Gatwick spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ''We recognise the importance of fair competition across all transport providers. 

'Airport Cars, London Gatwick's official taxi partner, continues to operate from dedicated bays directly outside the terminals, offering convenient access for passengers. 

'Passengers who choose to use Uber or other private hire vehicles can do so from designated pick-up zones designed to reduce congestion on local roads and provide a smooth passenger experience.' 

An Uber spokesperson said: 'Uber operates according to the high standards set across the industry and abides by the same regulations as all other private hire operators. This has been supported by a thorough independent review by Crawley Borough Council, which upheld our set-up at Gatwick.'

It comes after a recent report revealed Gatwick Airport's second runway could cause house prices in the local area to plummet.

The plan, which involves moving the hub's emergency runway 13 yards north, will ramp up flights by around 100,000 a year.

It has been suggested that the second runway could be in action before 2029.

However, the plans could cause house prices in the local area to plummet by as much as £40,000, according to new research by Yopa.

The analysis found the homes closest to Gatwick or located under new flight paths could reduce in value by -7.5 per cent. 

In Mole Valley, this would be a £40,513 fall on average, while it could be £38,270 in Tandridge and £36,469 in Reigate and Banstead.